

Add ground elaichi (cardamom seeds) to flavour chai in place of sugar and use semi-skimmed milk rather than whole or evaporated milk.Keep a bottle or a jug of water on the dinner table.Try different types of flavoured teas – fresh mint leaves in boiling water is very refreshing.Gradually dilute fruit juice so you get used to less sweetness.Make ice cubes from watermelon or grapes to brighten up your sugar-free drinks.Mix sparkling water with a small amount of squash or cordial.Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint leaves to a glass of iced water.Energy drinks are high in sugar and calories. Energy drinks – the only time when these drinks can be helpful in diabetes is when you need to get your blood glucose up quickly after a hypo.Otherwise, choose sugar-free alternatives Fizzy sugary drinks provide little else apart from a lot of sugar, so only use these to treat hypos.It’s hydrating and a good source of calcium, protein and carbohydrate. Milk is one of the best drinks to have after sport.They can harm teeth, so for children, dilute with water and drink at meal times. Fruit juices (100 per cent juice) contain vitamins and minerals and 150ml provides one portion of our five a day – but remember, fruit juices only count as one portion, however much you drink.Herbal teas can make a refreshing change and most are caffeine-free.Tea, coffee, chai and hot chocolate – cut back on sugar and use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk.Children often need reminding to drink, so give them a colourful water bottle with a funky straw. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

We also get fluid from the food we eat, especially from fruit and veg.ĭoes it matter what we drink? Yes, particularly when it comes to fruit juices and sugary drinks – you can be having more calories and sugar than you mean to because you’re drinking them and not noticing. Water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices and smoothies all count. Your body is made up of nearly two-thirds water, so it makes sense to drink enough every day to stay hydrated and healthy.
